Main navigation

Secondary Navigation

Kate McKinnon Explains Why Her Hillary Clinton Impression Made Her Feel 'Very Close' to the Political Icon

By Zach Seemayer‍ 12:04 AM PDT, September 29, 2017

Getty Images

Kate McKinnon has been one of Saturday Night Live's biggest breakout stars, and she shined brighter than ever over the last season playing Hillary Clinton to great critical acclaim during the 2016 presidential election.

Now, with the SNL season 43 premiere around the corner, the actress and brilliant impressionist sat down with Vanity Fair to open up about what attracts her to playing real-life political figures.

"I love doing impressions of politicians because the task is always to imagine the private lives of these people whose job it is to project an image of staunch, unflinching leadership and grace," McKinnon, 33, shared. "That's just not how human beings, in their heart of hearts, work."

"In doing that for Hillary Clinton, who I admire so much, I started to feel very close to her, just trying to imagine her inner life," she added.

"It's overwhelming and I'm just so honored to be a part of this year at this amazing show," she marveled. "Thinking about the history of Saturday Night Live, that is an American cultural institution and to have gotten to be a part of this season in particular is the highest honor I could ever ask for."

Check out McKinnon's full sit-down with Vanity Fairin their November issue, which she covers, when it hits newsstands on Oct. 10.

As for Saturday Night Live, the hotly anticipated new season kicks off Sept. 30 with host Ryan Gosling and musical guest JAY-Z. Additionally, it will continue to air live on both coasts, starting at 11:30 p.m. ET and 8:30 p.m. PT on NBC.

While many fans are excited for more of the show's acclaimed political comedy and commentary, NBC announced on Thursday that Tom Hanks would also be reprising his bizarrely popular role as David S. Pumpkins in an animated half-hour Halloween Special based on the viral hit sketch "Haunted Elevator" from last year's Halloween episode of SNL.

The David S. Pumpkins Halloween Special -- which also features the vocal talents of SNL castmember Mikey Day, former castmember Bobby Moynihan and Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage -- airs Oct. 26 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT.